Alex Arthur backs Ricky Burns to retain his world titles against Jose Gonzalez

Last Updated: 10/05/13 8:14am

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Alex Arthur believes Ricky Burns will fire again

Former British and European champion Alex Arthur told Ringside that old foe Ricky Burns will have little problem in disposing of Jose Gonzalez and retaining his WBO world lightweight title on Saturday night.

The 30-year-old Burns welcomes the undefeated Puerto Rican to Glasgow in what could prove an entertaining clash of styles, and Arthur has first-hand experience of the skills of Burns.

The two Scots met back in 2006 for the British, European and Commonwealth titles and although Arthur ultimately defended his belts via a draining 12-round decision, he admits seeing something special in the youngster from Coatbridge.

Arthur told Ringside: "He's been through the mill really if you look at his career because he's been through some really hard British title level fights against the likes of myself for the European and Commonwealth titles.

"There was also Carl Johannesen. He never always won those but he was gaining experience and maturing the whole time despite those defeats.

"After our fight, I said to Ricky personally while we were still in the ring that I thought if he kept going the way he was then he was going to be a world champion one day.

"I think I told the media that afterwards as well. I was glad I said it because it has come to pass!"

Confident

Gonzalez arrives in Scotland as somewhat of an unknown quantity - but his record is an impressive one having knocked out 17 of his 22 opponents to date.

But Arthur added: "I'm really confident that Ricky is going to win the fight. From what I've seen from Gonzalez, he looks quite ungainly. He's quite a free swinger.

"He looks to be pretty dangerous but I think that whatever he brings to the fight on Saturday, Ricky will be able to cope with it.

"I'm quite sure that the temperature will shock him for a start. It'll be very hostile for him and I think that'll be quite a big shock to the system because he's never dealt with anything like that before.

"I'm just really confident that Ricky is going to come out of this one looking really good."